A Level results day can be a stressful time, especially if grades don't match expectations. In cases where it seems that results may not reflect what was expected, there are formal routes to review and appeal grades in England and Wales.
Here’s what you need to know about results day and how the appeals process works.
What students should do before A Level results day on 14 August:
- Know your UCAS login information (username and password), your UCAS personal ID and your clearing number (if applicable). You will need these if you want to contact universities or make decisions via the UCAS website.
- Ensure that you are aware of your predicted grades and the required grades for entry to your first-choice university or college, or incoming employment.
- Have the contact details for your firm and insurance universities at hand (and other universities you're interested in, if applicable).
What students should do on A level results day:
- Collect your results as early as possible. Remember to bring ID with you (just in case).
- At the same time as collecting results, the UCAS website will go live. It will show one of the following updates:
- Unconditional (firm choice) – you have met your firm offer and your place at that university or college is confirmed.
- Unconditional (insurance choice) – you didn't meet your firm offer, but your insurance has accepted you.
- Clearing – you didn’t meet the conditions of either offer meaning that you are now in clearing.
- If you have missed your grades for your first-choice university or college, you must contact that university or college as soon as possible. They may be able to keep your place open until you have had your grades reviewed, or they may be able to accept you even if you have missed your grades.
The appeals process in England and Wales
- If you believe your results are wrong, speak to someone at your centre (i.e. school or college) as soon as possible.
- Your centre will then contact the relevant exam board on your behalf and ask for your marks to be reviewed under the post-results service. There are various services available, so make sure you speak with your centre to find the appropriate one.
- A 'priority' service is available for students whose university or college place is contingent on A Level results.
- If you still think you have been marked incorrectly after the post-results service review, you can ask your centre to appeal the grade.
- There is generally a two-stage appeals process:
- Stage one: the preliminary appeal. The case will be reviewed by a member of the awarding body who has not had any previous involvement with, or personal interest in, the matter.
- Stage two: the appeal hearing. The case will be considered by a panel which will include at least one independent person.
- At each stage, the appeal will either be upheld, not upheld or partially upheld. The relevant awarding body will send the centre an outcome letter for each appeal once a decision has been reached.
- Finally, if students are dissatisfied with the decision of an appeal hearing, an appeal may be made to the relevant Exam Procedure Review Service.
Should you have any questions regarding A Level results and appeals, please do not hesitate to contact Robert Lewis or another member of the Mishcon de Reya Education Sector Group.